Washing machine

ABSTRACT

A washing machine having a plurality of washing apparatuses is disclosed. By providing the plurality of washing apparatuses, it is possible to separately wash the laundry as needed. In addition, by controlling the plurality of washing apparatuses using one power button and an additional option button, it is possible to implement the control panel that is easy to operate and convenient to use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a 371 National Stage of International ApplicationNo. PCT/KR2017/013097, filed Nov. 17, 2017, which claims priority toKorean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0038442, filed Mar. 27, 2017, thedisclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to a washing machine having a pluralityof washing apparatuses.

Description of Related Art

Generally, a washing machine includes one washing apparatus (washingtub), and is an apparatus for removing contaminations from laundry usingwater and detergent. The washing machine performs washing of laundrythrough a series of operations such as a washing process, a rinsingprocess, and a dehydrating process using a motor as a main power. Inrecent times, the washing machine is configured to have a dryingfunction, so that the washing machine can also perform a drying processof drying the dehydrated laundry.

When washing, it may be impossible for the washing machine tosimultaneously wash a plurality of laundries accommodated in one washingapparatus according to types or materials of laundry. Since aconventional washing machine has one washing apparatus, the user mustdirectly classify a plurality of laundries into various types oflaundries before execution of the washing machine, and select only somelaundries incapable of being simultaneously washed in one washingmachine from among total laundries.

In this case, the user may feel inconvenienced because the user mustselect some laundries to be washed in a separate washing process fromamong total laundries and the washing machine must be driven severaltimes (e.g., twice), resulting in a waste of energy and time. Inaddition, although the user desires to wash a small amount of laundriesusing a washing machine, if a drum of the washing machine is alarge-capacity drum, unnecessary power consumption occurs.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to providing a washing machine havinga plurality of washing apparatuses.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing a washingmachine capable of controlling the plurality of washing apparatusesusing one power button.

An aspect of the disclosure provides a washing machine including: ahousing; a first washing apparatus disposed in the housing; a secondwashing apparatus disposed in the housing and disposed above the firstwashing apparatus; a control panel disposed at the front of the housing;a first user interface provided in a lower area of the control panel,configured to receive a first control command for controlling the firstwashing apparatus; a second user interface provided in the lower area ofthe control panel, configured to receive a second control command forcontrolling the second washing apparatus; and a third user interfaceprovided on the control panel. The first and second user interfaces areoperated in an activation mode in which the first and second washingapparatuses are controlled according to the first and second controlcommands, respectively and in a sleep mode in which the first and secondwashing apparatuses are not controlled according to the first and secondcontrol commands, respectively. The third user interface receives athird control command for switching the first and second user interfacesfrom the sleep mode to the activation mode.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a washing machine including: ahousing; a first washing apparatus disposed in the housing; a secondwashing apparatus disposed in the housing and disposed disposed abovethe first washing apparatus; a control panel disposed at the front ofthe housing; a first user interface provided in a lower area of thecontrol panel, configured to receive a first control command forcontrolling the first washing apparatus; and a second user interfaceprovided in the lower area of the control panel, configured to receive asecond control command for controlling the second washing apparatus. Thefirst and second user interfaces are operated in an activation mode inwhich the first and second washing apparatuses are controlled accordingto the first and second control commands, respectively and in a sleepmode in which the first and second washing apparatuses are notcontrolled according to the first and second control commands,respectively. The first user interface includes a first power buttonconfigured to receive a first mode switch command for switching thefirst user interface from the sleep mode to the activation mode. Thesecond user interface includes a second power button configured toreceive a second mode switch command for switching the second userinterface from the sleep mode to the activation mode.

According to the above-described washing machine, by providing theplurality of washing apparatuses, it is possible to separately wash thelaundry as needed. In addition, by controlling the plurality of washingapparatuses using one power button and an additional option button, itis possible to implement the control panel that is easy to operate andconvenient to use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a control panel of the washing machineaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the washing machine according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an integrated power mode controlalgorithm of the washing machine according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a state in which a control panel of aplurality of washing apparatuses is turned off as an integrated power inthe washing machine according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a state in which the control panel of theplurality of washing apparatuses is turned on as an integrated power inthe washing machine according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a state in which a laundry cancel buttonis activated on the right side of the control panel in the washingmachine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart g a sleep mode control algorithm of the washingmachine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an activation mode switching controlalgorithm of the washing machine according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a control panel of a washing machineaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG, 11 is a flowchart illustrating an individual power mode controlalgorithm of the washing machine according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a state in which a control panel of afirst washing apparatus is turned off as an individual power in thewashing machine according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a state in which the control panel of thefirst washing apparatus is turned on as the individual power in thewashing machine according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a state in which a laundry cancel buttonis activated on the control panel of the first washing apparatus in thewashing machine according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG, 15 is a view illustrating a state in which a control panel of asecond washing apparatus is turned off as an individual power in thewashing machine according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a state in which the control panel of thesecond washing apparatus is turned on as the individual power in thewashing machine according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a state in which a laundry cancel buttonis activated on the control panel of the second washing apparatus in thewashing machine according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a sleep mode control algorithm ofthe washing machine according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an activation mode switching controlalgorithm of the washing machine according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Configurations illustrated in the embodiments and the drawings describedin the present specification are only the preferred embodiments of thepresent disclosure, and thus it is to be understood that variousmodified examples, which may replace the embodiments and the drawingsdescribed in the present specification, are possible when filing thepresent application.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, a washing machine 1 may include a first washingapparatus 100 having a front loading method in which a first laundryinlet 41 is formed in front of a first washing space 115, and a secondwashing apparatus 200 having a top loading method in which a secondlaundry inlet 234 is formed an upper portion of a second washing space215.

The first washing apparatus 100 and the second washing apparatus 200 mayperform washing by different washing methods, and have a structure inwhich two washing apparatuses 100 and 200 are coupled to one platform,and may include the plurality of washing spaces 115 and 215 therein.

The first washing apparatus 100 may include a first drum 110 having thefirst washing space 115 formed therein. The first drum 110 may beprovided in a cylindrical shape in which at least a portion of onesurface thereof is opened, and may be disposed such that the opened onesurface thereof faces the front side.

The first washing apparatus 100 may include a first housing 130 in whichthe first drum 110 is disposed therein.

The first washing apparatus 100 may include a front cover 40 providedwith a first laundry inlet 41 through which laundry is put into thefirst washing space 115. A first door 160 may be coupled to the frontcover 40 to open and dose the first laundry inlet 41.

The first door 160 may be provided to correspond to the first laundryinlet 41, and may be rotatably provided with respect to the front cover40. The first door 160 may include a first door frame 161, a first doorcover 162, and a door glass 163.

The first door 160 may include an auxiliary door 164 through whichlaundry is put into the first washing space 115 even when the first door160 is closed.

The second washing apparatus 200 may include a second drum 210 havingthe second washing space 215 formed therein. The second drum 210 may beprovided in the cylindrical shape in which at least a portion of onesurface thereof is opened, and may be disposed such that the opened onesurface thereof faces upward.

The second washing apparatus 200 may include a second housing 230 inwhich the second drum 210 is disposed therein, and a lower portionthereof is opened. The second washing apparatus 200 may be disposed inthe second housing 230, and may include a second door 260 for openingand closing the second laundry inlet 234. The second door 260 may beprovided to correspond to the second laundry inlet 234, and may includea second door frame 261 and a second door cover 262. The second door 260may include a third door 280 through which laundry is put into thesecond washing space 215 even when the second door 120 is closed.

In addition, the washing machine 1 may include a control panel 50disposed above the front cover 40 for operating the washing machine 1.The control panel 50 is provided with a user interface 400 for receivingwashing setting information related to the operation of the washingmachine 1 and displaying various information to the user. The userinterface 400 may include an inputter for receiving a user command fromthe user, and a display for displaying various operation information ofthe washing machine 1 to the user according to the inputted usercommand. The user interface 400 may be provided at the front of thewashing machine 1 for the convenience of the user. The user interface400 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a control panel of the washing machineaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, the user interface 400 may be provided in thecontrol panel 50 to interact with the user. For example, the userinterface 400 may receive a user input for the first and second washingapparatuses 100 and 200 from the user, and may display the user input oroperation information corresponding to a process state.

The user interface 400 may include a first user interface 401 providedin a lower area of the control panel 50 and configured to receive afirst control command for controlling the first washing apparatus 100, asecond user interface 402 provided in the upper area of the controlpanel 50 and configured to receive a second control command forcontrolling the second washing apparatus 200.

The first and second user interfaces 401 and 402 may be operated in anactivation mode in which the first and second washing apparatuses 100and 200 are controlled according to the first and second controlcommands, respectively, and a sleep mode in which the first and secondwashing apparatuses 100 and 200 are not controlled according to thefirst and second control command, respectively.

The first and second user interfaces 401 and 402 may include a pluralityof buttons (e.g., reservation, wash water temperature, number ofrinsing, washing, rinsing, dehydration, selection of a water level,etc.) through which user commands related to operations of the washingmachine 1 are input. The plurality of buttons may include a wash watertemperature button for selecting the wash water temperature, a number ofrinsing button for selecting the number of rinsing, and a courseselection button for selecting a washing course (such as a standardcourse, a wool course, a boiling course, a drying course, etc.)according to the kinds of laundry.

In addition, the first and second user interfaces 401 and 402 mayinclude additional option buttons for simultaneously controlling thefirst and second washing apparatuses 100 and 200.

The user interface 400 may further include a third user interface 403that is provided in the lower area of the control panel 50 and receivesa third control command for switching the first and second userinterfaces 401 acid 402 from the sleep mode to the activation mode.

The third user interface 403 may include an integrated power button403-1 (hereinafter, referred to as a “power button”) for simultaneouslycontrolling power of the first and second washing apparatuses 100 and200, a first start button 403-2 (START/PAUSE button) for starting orpausing the operation of the first washing apparatus 100, and a secondstart button 403-3 (START/PAUSE button) for starting or pausing theoperation of the second washing apparatus 200.

The power button 403-1 is configured to simultaneously turn on or turnoff the power of the first washing apparatus 100 and the second washingapparatus 200 with one button.

The first and second start buttons 403-2 and 403-3 are configuredseparately because separate power buttons of the first washing apparatus100 and the second washing apparatus 200 are not provided separately.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the washing machine according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, the washing machine 1 may further include the userinterface 400, a controller 500, a storage 510, a driver 520, and asound outputter 530.

The user interface 400 may interact with the user. For example, the userinterface 400 may receive the user input for the first and secondwashing apparatuses 100 and 200 from the user, and may display the userinput or the operation information corresponding to the process state.

The user interface 400 may be installed at the front of the washingmachine 1 for the convenience of the user. For example, as illustratedin FIG. 1, the user interface 400 may be installed in the control panel50. Hereinafter, the user interface 400 may be installed on the controlpanel 50 as an example, but an installation position of the userinterface 400 is not limited thereto. For example, the user interface400 may be installed anywhere the user can operate and view it.

In addition, the user interface 400 may include a wake up function thatis automatically activated when the user approaches within a certainrange. For example, when the user approaches within the certain range,the user interface 400 may be activated. In other words, the userinterface 400 may be turned on. On the other hand, when the userdeviates from the certain range, the user interface 400 may bedeactivated. In other words, the user interface 400 may be turned off.

The controller 500 may control overall operations of the washing machine1, such as a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydratingprocess, according to the washing operation information input from theuser interface 400, and may include a microprocessor 501, a memory 502,and a timer 503.

The timer 503 may count operating times of the first washing apparatus100 and the second washing apparatus 200.

After the power button 401 is turned on, when a predetermined time(about 3 minutes) elapses without a button input from any one of theplurality of washing apparatus 100 and 200, the controller 500 maycontrol the user interface 400 to enter the sleep mode. The controller500 may minimize power consumption by entering the sleep mode, and mayclearly distinguish between the washing apparatus 100 or 200 that is inoperation and the washing apparatus 200 or 100 that is not in operation.

In addition, after entering the sleep mode, the controller 500 maycontrol the sleep mode to be released by inputting a wake up button orby all button inputs of the user interface 400.

After turning on the power button 401, when the predetermined time(about 3 minutes) elapses without the button input at both washingapparatuses 100 and 200, the controller 500 may turn off the washingmachine 1.

In addition, the controller 500 may control the driving of the userinterface 400 to display the washing operation information inputaccording to a user's operation command.

The storage 510 may store a control program and control data forcontrolling the operation of the washing machine 1 and variousapplication programs and application data for performing variousfunctions according to the user input.

The driver 520 may drive a water supply device 310, a detergent supplydevice 320, first and second drain pumps 170 and 270, and first andsecond driving motors 140 and 240 related to the operation of thewashing machine 1 according to a driving control signal of thecontroller 500.

The sound outputter 530 may include a speaker 531 that converts anelectrical signal into a sound. Here, the sound outputter 530 mayreceive the electrical sound signal from the controller 500 and outputthe sound corresponding to the received electrical sound signal.

The operation processes and effects of the washing machine according tothe embodiments of the disclosure will hereinafter be described indetail.

First, turning on or off of the control panel 50 of the first and secondwashing apparatuses 100 and 200 with integrated power, and a process ofcancelling the first or second. washing apparatuses 100 or 200 throughwashing cancel buttons 404 and 405 will be described with reference toFIGS. 4 to 7.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an integrated power mode controlalgorithm of the washing machine according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a state in which acontrol panel of a plurality of washing apparatuses is turned off as anintegrated power in the washing machine according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure, FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a state in whichthe control panel of the plurality of washing apparatuses is turned onas an integrated power in the washing machine according to an embodimentof the present disclosure, and FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a state inwhich a laundry cancel button is activated on the right side of thecontrol panel in the washing machine according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the user may turn on the power button 403-1 of thethird user interface 403 provided on the control panel 50 (700).

When the power button 403-1 is turned on, the first washing apparatus100 and the second washing apparatus 200 are simultaneously turned onwhile the user interface 400, which has been turned off as illustratedin FIG. 5, is turned on as illustrated in FIG, 6.

In a state where the power of the first washing apparatus 100 and thesecond washing apparatus 200 is simultaneously turned on, the controller500 may determine whether the power of the first washing apparatus 100is turned on (802).

When the power of the first washing apparatus 100 is turned on, thefirst washing apparatus 100 may enter an operation ready state (804).

When the first washing apparatus 100 enters the operation ready state,the user may select the washing course and options of the first washingapparatus 100 using the first user interface 401 (806). The washingcourse may include the standard course, a delicate course, the woolcourse, the towel course, a bedding course, and the like, and theoptions may include wash water temperature, the number of rinsing,dehydration strength, and the like.

Subsequently, the controller 500 may determine whether a selection ofthe washing course and options of the first washing apparatus 100 iscompleted (808).

As a result of the determination of operation 808, when the selection ofthe washing course and options of the first washing apparatus 100 is notcompleted, the controller 500 may return to operation 806 to proceedwith the subsequent operation.

In operation 808, when the selection of the washing course and optionsof the first washing apparatus 100 is completed, the user may select thefirst start button 403-2 of the first washing apparatus 100 (810)

When the first start button 403-2 is selected, the first washingapparatus 100 may start the operation according to the selected washingcourse and options and proceed with the washing process, the rinsingprocess, and the dehydrating process (812).

When the operation of the first washing apparatus 100 is started, asillustrated in FIG. 7, the first and second washing cancel buttons 404and 405 may be activated in the user interface 400.

As such, when the user selects the first washing cancel button 404 ofthe first washing apparatus 100 while the washing process, the rinsingprocess, and the dehydrating process of the first washing apparatus 100are performed, the controller 500 may determine whether the firstwashing cancel button 404 is selected (814).

As the result of the determination of operation 814, when the firstwashing cancel button 404 is not selected, the controller 500 may returnto operation 812 to continue the process of the first washing apparatus100.

In operation 814, when the first washing cancel button 404 is selected,the controller 500 may cancel the process of the first washing apparatus100 (816).

Subsequently, the controller 500 may count the time at which the processof the first washing apparatus 100 is canceled by using the built-intimer 503, and determine whether the counted time has elapsed thepredetermined time (N minutes; a reference time for determining whetherthe process of the first washing apparatus is canceled, about 3 minutes)(818). This is to determine whether the predetermined time (about 3minutes) has elapsed since the first washing cancel button 404 wasselected and this is because the user may press the first washing cancelbutton 404 by mistake.

As the result of the determination of operation 818, when the time, inwhich the process of the first washing apparatus 100 is canceled,elapses the predetermined time (N minutes), the controller 500 maydetermine that the predetermined time elapses after the first washingcancel button 404 is selected.

Therefore, after the predetermined time elapses after the first washingcancel button 404 is selected, the controller 500 may turn off the powerof the first washing apparatus 100 (820) and terminate the operation.

Meanwhile, in the state where the power of the first washing apparatus100 and the second washing apparatus 200 is simultaneously turned onbecause the power button 403-1 is turned on in operation 700, thecontroller 500 may determine whether the power of the second washingapparatus 200 is turned on (902).

When the power of the second washing apparatus 200 is turned on, thesecond washing apparatus 200 may enter an operation ready state (904).

When the second washing apparatus 200 enters the operation ready state,the user may select the washing course and options of the second washingapparatus 200 using the second user interface 402 (906). Subsequently,the controller 500 may determine whether a selection of the washingcourse and options of the second washing apparatus 200 is completed(908).

As the result of the determination of operation 908, when the selectionof the washing course and options of the second washing apparatus 200 isnot completed, the controller 500 may return to operation 906 to proceedwith the subsequent operation.

In operation 908, when the selection of the washing course and optionsof the second washing apparatus 200 is completed, the user may selectthe second start button 403-3 of the second washing apparatus 200 (910).

When the second start button 403-3 is selected, the second washingapparatus 200 may start the operation according to the selected washingcourse and options and proceed with the washing process, the rinsingprocess, and the dehydrating process (912).

When the operation of the second washing apparatus 200 is started, asillustrated in FIG. 9, the first and second washing cancel buttons 404and 405 may be activated in the user interface 400.

As such, when the user selects the second washing cancel button 405 ofthe second washing apparatus 200 while the washing process, the rinsingprocess, and the dehydrating process of the second washing apparatus 200are performed, the controller 500 may determine whether the secondwashing cancel button 405 is selected (914).

As the result of the determination of operation 914. when the secondwashing cancel button 405 is not selected, the controller 500 may returnto operation 912 to continue the process of the second washing apparatus200.

In operation 914, when the second washing cancel button 405 is selected,the controller 500 may cancel the process of the second washingapparatus 200 (916).

Subsequently, the controller 500 may count the time at which the processof the second washing apparatus 200 is canceled by using the built-intimer 503, and determine whether the counted time has elapsed thepredetermined time (N minutes; the reference time for determiningwhether the process of the second washing apparatus is canceled, about 3minutes) (918). This is to determine whether the predetermined time(about 3 minutes) has elapsed since the second washing cancel button 405was selected and this is because the user may press the second washingcancel button 405 by mistake,

As the result of the determination of operation 918, when the time, inwhich the process of the second washing apparatus 200 is canceled,elapses the predetermined time (N minutes), the controller 500 maydetermine that the predetermined time elapses after the second washingcancel button 405 is selected.

Therefore, after the predetermined time elapses after the second washingcancel button 405 is selected, the controller 500 may turn off the powerof the second washing apparatus 200 (920) and terminate the operation.

On the other hand, during the process (washing process, rinsing process,and dehydrating process) of the first washing apparatus 100 and thesecond washing apparatus 200 in operation 812 and operation 912, whenthe user turns off the power button 403-1, the controller 500 maydetermine whether the power button 403-1 is turned off (702).

As the result of the determination in operation 702 when the powerbutton 403-1 is not turned off, the controller 500 may return tooperations 812 and 912 to continue the process of the first washingapparatus 100 and the second washing apparatus 200.

On the other hand, when the power button 403-1 is turned off as theresult of the determination of operation 702, the controller 500 mayproceed with operations 816 and 916 to cancel the process of the firstwashing apparatus 100 and the second washing apparatus 200, and proceedwith the subsequent operation.

As such, the washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure may simultaneously turn on or off the power the first washingapparatus 100 and the second washing apparatus 200 using the powerbutton 403-1 provided on the control panel 50. That is, one power button403-1 may perform the function of integrated power. Next, a process ofentering the sleep mode when the predetermined time elapses without thebutton input to the first or second user interface 401 or 402 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 8,

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a sleep mode control algorithm of thewashing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8, the user may turn on the power button 403-1 of theuser interface 400 provided in the control panel 50 (1000).

When the power button 403-1 is turned on, the first washing apparatus100 and the second washing apparatus 200 are simultaneously turned onwhile the user interface 400, which has been turned off, is turned on(see FIGS. 5 and 6).

In the state where the power of the first washing apparatus 100 and thesecond washing apparatus 200 is simultaneously turned on, the controller500 may determine whether the power of the first washing apparatus 100is turned on (1102).

When the power of the first washing apparatus 100 is turned on, thefirst washing apparatus 100 may enter the activation mode which is theoperation ready state (1104).

When the first washing apparatus 100 enters the operation ready state,the user may input the button for selecting the washing course andoptions of the first washing apparatus 100 using the user interface 400.

Accordingly, the controller 500 may determine whether there is a buttoninput of the first user interface 401 corresponding to the first washingapparatus 100 (1106).

As the result of the determination of operation 1106, when there is thebutton input of the first user interface 401, the first washingapparatus 100 may proceed with the subsequent operation whilemaintaining the activation mode which is the operation ready state.

Meanwhile, in operation 1106, when there is no button input of the firstuser interface 401, the first washing apparatus 100 may enter the sleepmode (1110). The time to enter the sleep mode may he when there is nothe button input of the first user interface 401 corresponding to thefirst washing apparatus 100 for the predetermined time (N minutes), andthe time to enter the sleep mode is not limited thereto.

When the first washing apparatus 100 enters the sleep mode, the firstuser interface 401 corresponding to the first washing apparatus 100 isturned off, When the first user interface 401 is turned off, it meansthat a screen of the first user interface 401 displays an operationscreen in which all lighting except a LED lamp of the first start button403-2 is slowly darkened and turned off.

As described above, in the state where the first washing apparatus 100enters the sleep mode, the controller 500 may determine whether there isthe button input of the first user interface 401 corresponding to thefirst washing apparatus 100 (1112).

As the result of the determination of operation 1112, when there is nobutton input of the first user interface 401, the first washingapparatus 100 may return to operation 1110 and proceed with thesubsequent operation while maintaining the sleep mode.

Meanwhile, in operation 1112, when there is the button input of thefirst user interface 401, the first washing apparatus 100 may proceedwith operation 1108 to reenter the activation mode which is theoperation ready state,

Meanwhile, in the state where the power of the first washing apparatus100 and the second washing apparatus 200 is simultaneously turned onbecause the power button 403-1 is turned on in operation 1000, thecontroller 500 may determine whether the power of the second washingapparatus 200 is turned on (1122).

When the power of the second washing apparatus 200 is turned on, thesecond washing apparatus 200 may enter operation ready state (1124).

When the second washing apparatus 200 enters the operation ready state,the user may input the button for selecting the washing course andoptions of the second washing apparatus 200 using the user interface400.

Accordingly, the controller 500 may determine whether there is thebutton input of the second user interface 402 corresponding to thesecond washing apparatus 200 (1126).

As the result of the determination of operation 1126, when there is thebutton input of the second user interface 402, the second washingapparatus 200 may proceed with the subsequent operation whilemaintaining the activation mode which is the operation ready state

Meanwhile, in operation 1126, when there is no the button input of thesecond user interface 402, the second washing apparatus 200 may enterthe sleep mode (1130). The time to enter the sleep mode may be whenthere is no the button input of the second user interface 402corresponding to the second washing apparatus 200 for the predeterminedtime (N minutes), and the time to enter the sleep mode is not limitedthereto.

When the second washing apparatus 200 enters the sleep mode, the seconduser interface 402 corresponding to the second washing apparatus 200 isturned off. When the second user interface 402 is turned off, it meansthat the screen of the second user interface 402 displays an operationscreen in which all lighting except a LED lamp of the second startbutton 403-3 is slowly darkened and turned off. As described above, inthe state where the second washing apparatus 200 enters the sleep mode,the controller 500 may determine whether there is the button input ofthe second user interface 402 corresponding to the second washingapparatus 200 (1132).

As the result of the determination of operation 1132, when there is theno button input of the second user interface 402, the second washingapparatus 200 may return to operation 1130 and proceed with thesubsequent operation while maintaining the sleep mode.

Meanwhile, in operation 1132, when there is the button input of thesecond user interface 402, the second washing apparatus 200 may proceedwith operation 1128 to reenter the activation mode which is theoperation ready state

Next, when the first or second washing apparatus 100 or 200 enters thesleep mode after the predetermined time elapses without the buttoninput, the first or second washing apparatus 100 or 200 may providevarious display screens of the sleep mode.

For example, when the second washing apparatus 200 enters the sleep modeamong the first and second washing apparatuses 100 and 200, afterentering the sleep mode, the second washing apparatus 200 may displaythe screen providing a phrase “Touch to wake up” on the upper portion ofthe second user interface 402 corresponding to the second washingapparatus 200.

In addition, when the second washing apparatus 200 enters the sleep modeamong the first and second washing apparatuses 100 and 200, afterentering the sleep mode, the second washing apparatus 200 may displaythe screen on which the LED lamp of the second start button 403-3corresponds to the second washing apparatus 200 is slowly and repeatedlybrightened and then darkened.

When the second washing apparatus 200 enters the sleep mode among thefirst and second washing apparatuses 100 and 200, after entering thesleep mode, the second washing apparatus 200 may display the screenproviding a phrase “SLEEP” on a 7-segment 18:88 of the second userinterface 402 corresponding to the second washing apparatus 200.

Also, when the second washing apparatus 200 enters the sleep mode amongthe first and second washing apparatuses 100 and 200, after entering thesleep mode, the second washing apparatus 200 may display the screen fornotifying a sleep mode entry as an icon on the upper portion of thesecond user interface 402 corresponding to the second washing apparatus200.

Next, in the state where the first or second washing apparatus 100 or200 enters the sleep mode after the predetermined time elapses withoutthe button input, the first or second washing apparatus 100 or 200 mayprovide various display screens for releasing the sleep mode throughwake-up.

For example, when releasing the sleep mode of the second washingapparatus 200 among the first and second washing apparatuses 100 and200, the second washing apparatus 200 may display the screen forreleasing the sleep mode by touching ‘Touch to wake up’ provided on theupper portion of the user interface 402. corresponding to the secondwashing apparatus 200 in the sleep mode of the second washing apparatus200.

In this case, the sleep mode may be released by selecting any button ofthe second user interface 402 corresponding to the second washingapparatus 200, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, when releasing the sleep mode of the second washingapparatus 200 among the first and second washing apparatuses 100 and200, when the user performs wake-up in the sleep mode of the secondwashing apparatus 200, the second washing apparatus 200 may display anoperation screen in which lighting is sequentially turned on to side toside from the center of the second user interface 402.

In addition, when releasing the sleep mode of the second washingapparatus 200 among the first and second washing apparatuses 100 and200, when the user wakes up the sleep mode of the second washingapparatus 200, the second washing apparatus 200 may display an operationscreen in which lighting is sequentially turned on from the left side tothe right side of the second user interface 402

When releasing the sleep mode of the second washing apparatus 200 amongthe first and second washing apparatuses 100 and 200, when the userwakes up the sleep mode of the second washing apparatus 200, the secondwashing apparatus 200 may display an operation screen in which lightingis sequentially turned on from where the second user interface 402 istouched to the left and right side.

In addition, when releasing the sleep mode of the second washingapparatus 200 among the first and second washing apparatuses 100 and200, when the user wakes up the sleep mode of the second washingapparatus 200, the second washing apparatus 200 may display an operationscreen in which the overall lighting is slowly brightened.

Next, a process of switching the first or second user interface 401 or402 to the activation mode by opening the first or second door 160 and260 while being operated in the sleep mode after the predetermined timehas elapsed without the button input to the first or second userinterface 401 or 402 will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an activation mode switching controlalgorithm of the washing machine according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9, the user turns on the power button 403-1 of theuser interface 400 provided in the control panel 50 (1200).

When the power button 403-1 is turned on, the first washing apparatus100 and the second washing apparatus 200 are simultaneously turned onwhile the user interface 400, which has been turned off, is turned on(see FIGS. 5 and 6).

In the state where the power of the first washing apparatus 100 and thesecond washing apparatus 200 is simultaneously turned on, the controller500 may determine whether the power of the first washing apparatus 100is turned on (1202).

When the power of the first washing apparatus 100 is turned on, thefirst washing apparatus 100 may enter the operation ready state (1204).

When the first washing apparatus 100 enters the operation ready state,the user may input the button for selecting the washing course andoptions of the first washing apparatus 100 using the first userinterface 401.

Accordingly, the controller 500 may determine whether there is thebutton input corresponding to the first washing apparatus 100 (1206).

As the result of the determination of operation 1206, when there is thebutton input, the first washing apparatus 100 may proceed with thesubsequent operation while maintaining the operation ready state.

Meanwhile, in operation 1206, when there is no button input of the firstuser interface 401, the first washing apparatus 100 may enter the sleepmode (1210). The time to enter the sleep mode may be when there is nobutton input of the first user interface 401 corresponding to the firstwashing apparatus 100 for the predetermined time (N minutes), and thetime to enter the sleep mode is not limited thereto.

When the first washing apparatus 100 enters the sleep mode, the firstuser interface 401 corresponding to the first washing apparatus 100 isturned off. When the first user interface 401 is turned off, it meansthat a screen of the first user interface 401 displays an operationscreen in which all lighting except a LED lamp of the first start button403-2 is slowly darkened and turned off.

As described above, in the state where the first washing apparatus 100enters the sleep mode, the controller 500 may determine whether thefirst door 160 of the first washing apparatus 100 is opened (1212).

As the result of the determination of operation 1212, when the firstdoor 160 of the first washing apparatus 100 is not opened, the firstwashing apparatus 100 may return to operation 1210 and proceed with thesubsequent operation while maintaining the sleep mode.

Meanwhile, in operation 1212, when the first door 160 of the firstwashing apparatus 100 is opened, the first washing apparatus 100 mayproceed with operation 1308 to reenter the activation mode which is theoperation ready state.

Meanwhile, in the state where the power of the first washing apparatus100 and the second washing apparatus 200 is simultaneously turned onbecause the power button 403-1 is turned on in operation 1300, thecontroller 500 may determine whether the power of the second washingapparatus 200 is turned on (1222).

When the power of the second washing apparatus 200 is turned on, thesecond washing apparatus 200 may enter the operation ready state (1224).

When the second washing apparatus 200 enters the operation ready state,the user may input the button for selecting the washing course andoptions of the second washing apparatus 200 using the user interface400.

Accordingly, the controller 500 may determine whether there is thebutton input of the second user interface 402 corresponding to thesecond washing apparatus 200 (1226).

As the result of the determination of operation 1226, when there is thebutton input of the second user interface 402, the second washingapparatus 200 may proceed with the subsequent operation whilemaintaining the activation mode which is the operation ready state.

Meanwhile, in operation 1226, when there is no the button input of thesecond user interface 402, the second washing apparatus 200 may enterthe sleep mode (1230). The time to enter the sleep mode may be whenthere is no the button input of the second user interface 402corresponding to the second washing apparatus 200 for the predeterminedtime (N minutes), and the time to enter the sleep mode is not limitedthereto.

When the second washing apparatus 200 enters the sleep mode, the seconduser interface 402 corresponding to the second washing apparatus 200 isturned off.

As described above, in the state where the second washing apparatus 200enters the sleep mode, the controller 500 may determine whether thesecond door 260 of the second washing apparatus 200 is opened (1232).

As the result of the determination of operation 1232, when the seconddoor 260 of the second washing apparatus 200 is not opened, the secondwashing apparatus 200 may return to operation 1230 and proceed with thesubsequent operation while maintaining the sleep mode.

Meanwhile, in operation 1232, when the second door 260 of the secondwashing apparatus 200 is opened, the second washing apparatus 200 mayproceed with operation 1328 to reenter the activation mode which is theoperation ready state.

Meanwhile, in an embodiment of the disclosure, when the first and seconddoors 160 and 260 are opened while the first and second user interfaces401 and 402 are operated in the sleep mode, the first and second userinterfaces 401 and 402 are switched to the activation mode, but thedisclosure is not limited thereto. Even if the first and second doors160 and 260 are closed while the first and second user interfaces 401and 402 are operated in the sleep mode, the first and second userinterfaces 401 and 402 may be configured to switch to the activationmode,

Next, when first and second power buttons 406-1 and 407-1 are formed inthe first and second user interfaces 406 and 407, respectively, a methodof switching the first and second user interfaces 406 and 407 from thesleep mode to the activation mode by using the first and second powerbuttons 406-1 and 407-1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to19.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a control panel of a washing machineaccording to another embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, a user interface 400 may be provided in a controlpanel 50 to interact with the user. For example, the user interface 400may receive the user input for first and second washing apparatuses 100and 200 from the user, and may display the user input or operationinformation corresponding to the process state.

The user interface 400 may include a first user interface 406 providedin the lower area of the control panel 50 and configured to receive afirst control command for controlling the first washing apparatus 100,and a second user interface 407 provided in the lower area of thecontrol panel 50 and configured to receive a second control command forcontrolling the second washing apparatus 200.

The first and second user interfaces 406 and 407 may be operated in theactivation mode in which the first and second washing apparatuses 100and 200 are controlled according to the first and second controlcommands, respectively, and the sleep mode in which the first and secondwashing apparatuses 100 and 200 are not controlled according to thefirst and second control command, respectively.

The first and second user interfaces 406 and 407 may include theplurality of buttons (e.g., reservation, wash water temperature, numberof rinsing, washing, rinsing, dehydration, selection of a water level,etc.) through which user commands related to operations of the washingmachine 1 are input. In addition, the first and second user interfaces406 and 407 may include the additional option buttons for simultaneouslycontrolling the first and second washing apparatuses 100 and 200.

Also, the first and second user interfaces 406 and 407 may include firstand second power buttons 406-1 and 407-1 configured to receive first andsecond mode switch commands for switching the first and second userinterfaces 406 and 407 from the sleep mode to the activation mode,respectively.

In addition, the first and second user interfaces 406 and 407 mayinclude first and second start buttons 406-2 and 407-2 for starting orpausing the operation of the first and second washing apparatuses 100and 200.

The operation processes and effects of the washing machine and themethod of controlling the washing machine according to anotherembodiment of the disclosure will hereinafter be described in detail.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an individual power mode controlalgorithm of a washing machine according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure, FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a state in which acontrol panel of a first washing apparatus is turned off as anindividual power in the washing machine according to another embodimentof the present disclosure, FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a state inwhich the control panel of the first washing apparatus is turned on asan individual power in the washing machine according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 14 is a view illustrating astate in which a laundry cancel button is activated on the control panelof the first washing apparatus in the washing machine according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 15 is a viewillustrating a state in which a control panel of a second washingapparatus is turned off as an individual power in the washing machineaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 16 is aview illustrating a state in which the control panel of the secondwashing apparatus is turned on as an individual power in the washingmachine according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG. 17 is a view illustrating a state in which a laundry cancel buttonis activated on the control panel of the second washing apparatus in thewashing machine according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, the user may turn on the first power button 406-1of the first user interface 406 provided on the control panel 50 (1800).

When the first power button 406-1 is turned on, the first washingapparatus 100 is turned on while the first user interface 406, which hasbeen turned off as illustrated in FIG. 13, is turned on as illustratedin FIG. 14.

In the state where the power of the first washing apparatus 100 isturned on, the controller 500 may determine whether the power of thefirst washing apparatus 100 is turned on (1802).

When the power of the first washing apparatus 100 is turned on, thefirst washing apparatus 100 may enter the operation ready state (1804).

When the first washing apparatus 100 enters the operation ready state,the user may select the washing course and options of the first washingapparatus 100 using the first user interface 406 (1806).

Subsequently, the controller 500 may determine whether the selection ofthe washing course and options of the first washing apparatus 100 iscompleted (1808).

As the result of the determination of operation 1808, when the selectionof the washing course and options of the first washing apparatus 100 isnot completed, the controller 500 may return to operation 1806 toproceed with the subsequent operation.

In operation 1808, when the selection of the washing course and optionsof the first washing apparatus 100 is completed, the user may select thefirst start button 406-2 of the first washing apparatus 100 (1810).

When the first start button 406-2 is selected, the first washingapparatus 100 may start the operation according to the selected washingcourse and options and proceed with the washing process, the rinsingprocess, and the dehydrating process (1812).

When the operation of the first washing apparatus 100 is started, asillustrated FIG. 14, a first cancel button 406-3 may be activated in thefirst user interface 406.

As such, when the user selects the first washing cancel button 406-3 ofthe first washing apparatus 100 while the washing process, the rinsingprocess, and the dehydrating process of the first washing apparatus 100are performed, the controller 500 may determine whether the firstwashing cancel button 406-3 is selected (1814).

As the result of the determination of operation 1814, when the firstwashing cancel button 406-3 is not selected, the controller 500 mayreturn to operation 1812 to continue the process of the first washingapparatus 100.

101841 In operation 1814, when the first washing cancel button 406-3 isselected, the controller 500 may cancel the process of the first washingapparatus 100 (1816).

Subsequently, the controller 500 may count the time at which the processof the first washing apparatus 100 is canceled by using the built-intimer 503, and determine whether the counted time has elapsed thepredetermined time (N minutes; the reference time for determiningwhether the process of the first washing apparatus is canceled, about 3minutes) (1818). This is to determine whether the predetermined time(about 3 minutes) has elapsed since the first washing cancel button406-3 was selected and this is because the user may press the firstwashing cancel button 406-3 by mistake.

As the result of the determination of operation 1818, when the time, inwhich the process of the first washing apparatus 100 is canceled,elapses the predetermined time (N minutes), the controller 500 maydetermine that the predetermined time elapses after the first washingcancel button 406-3 is selected.

Therefore, after the predetermined time elapses after the first washingcancel button 406-3 is selected, the controller 500 may turn off thepower of the first washing apparatus 100 (1820) and terminate theoperation.

On the other hand, during the process (washing process, rinsing process,and dehydrating process) of the first washing apparatus 100 in operation1812, when the user turns off the first power button 406-1, thecontroller 500 may determine whether the first power button 406-1 isturned off (1815).

As the result of the determination in operation 1815, when the firstpower button 406-1 is not turned off, the controller 500 may return tooperation 1812 to continue the process of the first washing apparatus100.

On the other hand, when the first power button 406-1 is turned off asthe result of the determination of operation 1815, the controller 500may proceed with operation 1816 to cancel the process of the firstwashing apparatus 100, and proceed with the subsequent operation.

Meanwhile, the user may turn on the second power button 407-1 of thesecond user interface 407 provided on the control panel 50 (1900).

When the second power button 407-1 is turned on, the second washingapparatus 200 is turned on while the second interface 407, which hasbeen turned off as illustrated in FIG, 15, is turned on as illustratedin FIG. 16.

In the state where the power of the second washing apparatus 200 isturned on, the controller 500 may determine whether the power of thesecond washing apparatus 200 is turned on (1902).

When the power of the second washing apparatus 200 is turned on, thesecond washing apparatus 200 may enter the operation ready state (1904).

When the second washing apparatus 200 enters the operation ready state,the user may select the washing course and options of the second washingapparatus 200 using the second user interface 407 (1906).

Subsequently, the controller 500 may determine whether the selection ofthe washing course and options of the second washing apparatus 200 iscompleted (1908).

As the result of the determination of operation 1908, when the selectionof the washing course and options of the second washing apparatus 200 isnot completed, the controller 500 may return to operation 1906 toproceed with the subsequent operation.

In operation 1908, when the selection of the washing course and optionsof the second washing apparatus 200 is completed, the user may selectthe second start button 407-2 of the second washing apparatus 200(1910).

When the second start button 407-2 is selected, the second washingapparatus 200 may start the operation according to the selected washingcourse and options and proceed with the washing process, the rinsingprocess, and the dehydrating process (1912).

When the operation of the second washing apparatus 200 is started, asillustrated. in FIG. 17, a second cancel button 407-3 may be activatedin the second user interface 407.

As such, when the user selects the second washing cancel button 406-3 ofthe second washing apparatus 200 while the washing process, the rinsingprocess, and the dehydrating process of the second washing apparatus 200are performed, the controller 500 may determine whether the secondwashing cancel button 407-3 is selected (1914).

As the result of the determination of operation 1914, when the secondwashing cancel button 407-3 is not selected, the controller 500 mayreturn to operation 1912 to continue the process of the second washingapparatus 200.

In operation 1914, when the second washing cancel button 407-3 isselected, the controller 500 may cancel the process of the secondwashing apparatus 200 (1916).

Subsequently, the controller 500 may count the time at which the processof the second washing apparatus 200 is canceled by using the built-intimer 503, and determine whether the counted time has elapsed thepredetermined time minutes; the reference time for determining whetherthe process of the second washing apparatus is canceled, about 3minutes) (1918). This is to determine whether the predetermined time(about 3 minutes) has elapsed since the second washing cancel button407-3 was selected and this is because the user may press the secondwashing cancel button 407-3 by mistake.

As the result of the determination of operation 1918, when the time, inwhich the process of the second washing apparatus 200 is canceled,elapses the predetermined time (N minutes), the controller 500 maydetermine that the predetermined time elapses after the second washingcancel button 407-3 is selected.

Therefore, after the predetermined time elapses after the second washingcancel button 407-3 is selected, the controller 500 may turn off thepower of the second washing apparatus 200 (1920) and terminate theoperation.

On the other hand, during the process (washing process, rinsing process,and dehydrating process) of the second washing apparatus 200 inoperation 1912, when the user turns off the second power button 407-1,the controller 500 may determine whether the second power button 407-1is turned off (1915).

As the result of the determination in operation 1915, when the secondpower button 407-1 is not turned off, the controller 500 may return tooperation 1912 to continue the process of the second washing apparatus200.

On the other hand, when the second power button 407-1 is turned off asthe result of the determination of operation 1915, the controller 500may proceed with operation 1916 to cancel the process of the secondwashing apparatus 200, and proceed with the subsequent operation.

Next, a process of entering the sleep mode when the predetermined timeelapses without the button input to the first or second user interface406 or 407 will be described with reference to FIG. 18.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a sleep mode control algorithm ofthe washing machine according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 18, the user may turn on the first power button 406-1of the first user interface 406 provided in the control panel 50 (2100).

When the first power button 406-1 is turned on, the first washingapparatus 100 is turned on while the first user interface 406, which hasbeen turned off, is turned on (see FIGS. 14 and 15).

When the power of the first washing apparatus 100 is turned on, thecontroller 500 may determine whether the power of the first washingapparatus 100 is turned on (2102).

When the power of the first washing apparatus 100 is turned on, thefirst washing apparatus 100 may enter the activation mode which is theoperation ready state (2104).

When the first washing apparatus 100 enters the operation ready state,the controller 500 may determine whether there is the button input ofthe first user interface 406 corresponding to the first washingapparatus 100 (2106).

As the result of the determination of operation 2106, when there is thebutton input of the first user interface 406, the first washingapparatus 100 may proceed with the subsequent operation whilemaintaining the activation mode which is the operation ready state.

Meanwhile, in operation 2106, when there is no button input of the firstuser interface 406, the first washing apparatus 100 may enter the sleepmode (2110). The time to enter the sleep mode may be when there is nothe button input of the first user interface 406 corresponding to thefirst washing apparatus 100 for the predetermined time (N minutes), andthe time to enter the sleep mode is not limited thereto.

When the first washing apparatus 100 enters the sleep mode, the firstuser interface 406 corresponding to the first washing apparatus 100 isturned off. When the first user interface 406 is turned off, it meansthat the screen of the first user interface 406 displays the operationscreen in which all lighting except a LED lamp of the first start button406-2 is slowly darkened and turned off.

As described above, in the state where the first washing apparatus 100enters the sleep mode, the controller 500 may determine whether there isthe button input of the first user interface 406 corresponding to thefirst washing apparatus 100 (2112).

As the result of the determination of operation 2112, when there is nothe button input of the first user interface 406, the first washingapparatus 100 may return to operation 2110 and proceed with thesubsequent operation while maintaining the sleep mode.

Meanwhile, in operation 2112, when there is the button input of thefirst user interface 406, the first washing apparatus 100 may proceedwith operation 2108 to reenter the activation mode which is theoperation ready state.

On the other hand, the user may turn on the second power button 407-1 ofthe second user interface 407 provided in the control panel 50 (2200).

When the second power button 407-1 is turned on, the second washingapparatus 200 is turned on while the second user interface 407, whichhas been turned off, is turned on (see 17 and 18).

When the power of the second washing apparatus 200 is turned on, thecontroller 500 may determine whether the power of the second washingapparatus 200 is turned on (2202).

When the power of the second washing apparatus 200 is turned on, thesecond washing apparatus 200 may enter the operation ready state (2204).

When the second washing apparatus 200 enters the operation ready state,the controller 500 may determine whether there is the button input ofthe second user interface 407 corresponding to the second washingapparatus 200 (2206).

As the result of the determination of operation 2206, when there is thebutton input of the second user interface 407, the second washingapparatus 200 may proceed with the subsequent operation whilemaintaining the activation mode which is the operation ready state.

Meanwhile, in operation 2206, when there is no button input of thesecond user interface 407, the second washing apparatus 200 may enterthe sleep mode (2210).

When the second washing apparatus 200 enters the sleep mode, the seconduser interface 407 corresponding to the second washing apparatus 200 isturned off.

As described above, in the state where the second washing apparatus 200enters the sleep mode, the controller 500 may determine whether there isthe button input of the second user interface 407 corresponding to thesecond washing apparatus 200 (2212).

As the result of the determination of operation 2212, when there is nothe button input of the second user interface 407, the second washingapparatus 200 may return to operation 2210 and proceed with thesubsequent operation while maintaining the sleep mode.

Meanwhile, in operation 2212, when there is the button input of thesecond user interface 407, the second washing apparatus 200 may proceedwith operation 2208 to reenter the activation mode which is theoperation ready state.

Next, the process of switching the first or second user interface 401 or402 to the activation mode by opening the first or second door 160 and260 while being operated in the sleep mode after the predetermined timehas elapsed without the button input to the first or second userinterface 406 or 407 will be described with reference to FIG. 19.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an activation mode switching controlalgorithm of the washing machine according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 19, the user turns on the first power button 406-1 ofthe first user interface 406 provided in the control panel 50 (2300).

When the first power button 406-1 is turned on, the first washingapparatus 200 is turned on while the first user interface 406, which hasbeen turned off, is turned on (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

When the power of the first washing apparatus 100 is turned on, thecontroller 500 may determine whether the power of the first washingapparatus 100 is turned on (2302).

When the power of the first washing apparatus 100 is turned on, thefirst washing apparatus 100 may enter the activation mode which is theoperation ready state (2304).

When the first washing apparatus 100 enters the operation ready state,the controller 500 may determine whether there is the button input ofthe first user interface 406 corresponding to the first washingapparatus 100 (2306).

As the result of the determination of operation 2306, when there is thebutton input of the first user interface 406, the first washingapparatus 100 may proceed with the subsequent operation whilemaintaining the operation ready state.

Meanwhile, in operation 2306, when there is no button input of the firstuser interface 406, the first washing apparatus 100 may enter the sleepmode (2310).

When the first washing apparatus 100 enters the sleep mode, the firstuser interface 401 corresponding to the first washing apparatus 100 isturned off.

As described above, in the state where the first washing apparatus 100enters the sleep mode, the controller 500 may determine whether thefirst door 160 of the first washing apparatus 100 is opened (2312).

As the result of the determination of operation 2312, when the firstdoor 160 of the first washing apparatus 100 is not opened, the firstwashing apparatus 100 may return to operation 2310 and proceed with thesubsequent operation while maintaining the sleep mode.

Meanwhile, in operation 2312, when the first door 160 of the firstwashing apparatus 100 is opened, the first washing apparatus 100 mayproceed with operation 2308 to reenter the activation mode which is theoperation ready state.

On the other hand, the user turns on the second power button 407-1 ofthe second user interface 407 provided in the control panel 50 (2400).

When the second power button 407-1 is turned on, the second washingapparatus 200 is turned on while the second user interface 407, whichhas been turned off, is turned on (see FIGS. 15 and 16).

When the power of the second washing apparatus 200 is turned on, thecontroller 500 may determine whether the power of the second washingapparatus 200 is turned on (2402).

When the power of the second washing apparatus 200 is turned on, thesecond washing apparatus 200 may enter the operation ready state (2404).

When the second washing apparatus 200 enters the operation ready state,the controller 500 may determine whether there is the button input ofthe second user interface 407 corresponding to the second washingapparatus 200 (2406).

As the result of the determination of operation 2406, when there is thebutton input of the second user interface 407, the second washingapparatus 200 may proceed with the subsequent operation whilemaintaining the operation ready state.

Meanwhile, in operation 2406, when there is no button input of thesecond user interface 407, the second washing apparatus 200 may enterthe sleep mode (2410).

As described above, in the state where the second washing apparatus 200enters the sleep mode, the controller 500 may determine whether thesecond door 260 of the second washing apparatus 200 is opened (2412).

As the result of the determination of operation 2412, when the seconddoor 260 of the second washing apparatus 200 is not opened, the secondwashing apparatus 200 may return to operation 2410 and proceed with thesubsequent operation while maintaining the sleep mode.

Meanwhile, in operation 2412, when the second door 260 of the secondwashing apparatus 200 is opened, the second washing apparatus 200 mayproceed with operation 2408 to reenter the activation mode which is theoperation ready state.

The above-mentioned embodiments are disclosed only for illustrativepurposes. The above-mentioned disclosures are used only to indicate theembodiments, and the disclosure can also be used in variouscombinations, modifications and environments without departing from thescope or spirit of the disclosure. That is, the disclosure can bereadily modified or changed within the scope of the disclosure, withinthe scope equivalent to the disclosed content, and/or within the scopeof technology or knowledge well known to those skilled in the art. Theabove-mentioned embodiments have exemplarily described the best mode forimplementing a technical idea of the disclosure, and variousmodifications needed for detailed application fields and utilities canalso be made available. Therefore, the above-mentioned embodiments areexemplary and explanatory and are not intended to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In addition, the appended claims may conceptually includeother embodiments or examples without departing from e scope or spiritof the disclosure as necessary.

As described above, the disclosure may implement the control panel thatis simple to operate and easy to use by controlling the plurality ofwashing apparatuses using one power button.

1. A washing machine comprising: a housing; a first washing apparatusdisposed in the housing; a second washing apparatus disposed in thehousing and disposed above the first washing apparatus; a control paneldisposed at the front of the housing; a first user interface provided ina lower area of the control panel, configured to receive a first controlcommand for controlling the first washing apparatus; a second userinterface provided in the upper area of the control panel, configured toreceive a second control command for controlling the second washingapparatus; and a third user interface provided on the control panel,wherein the first and second user interfaces are configured to beoperated in an activation mode in which the first and second washingapparatuses are controlled according to the first and second controlcommands, respectively and in a sleep mode in which the first and secondwashing apparatuses are not controlled according to the first and secondcontrol commands, respectively, and wherein the third user interface isconfigured to receive a third control command for switching the firstand second user interfaces from the sleep mode to the activation mode.2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the third userinterface is provided in the lower area of the control panel.
 3. Thewashing machine according to claim 1, wherein the first or the seconduser interface is configured to be switched to the sleep mode when thefirst or second control command is not input for a predetermined timewhile being operated in the activation mode.
 4. The washing machineaccording to claim 1, wherein the first or the second user interface isconfigured to be switched to the sleep mode when the first or secondwashing apparatus is not driven for a predetermined time while beingoperated in the activation mode.
 5. The washing machine according toclaim 1, wherein the first user interface is configured to be switchedto the activation mode when the first control command is input while thefirst user interface is operating in the sleep mode, and wherein thesecond user interface is configured to be switched to the activationmode when the second control command is input while the second userinterface is operating in the sleep mode.
 6. The washing machineaccording to claim 1, wherein the first washing apparatus comprises afirst laundry inlet into which laundry to be processed in the firstwashing apparatus is put and a first door configured to open and closethe first laundry inlet, and wherein the first user interface isconfigured to be switched to the activation mode when the first door isopened or closed while the first user interface is operating in thesleep mode.
 7. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein thesecond washing apparatus comprises a second laundry inlet into whichlaundry to be processed in the second washing apparatus is put and asecond door configured to open and close the second laundry inlet, andwherein the second user interface is configured to be switched to theactivation mode when the second door is closed or opened while thesecond user interface is operating in the sleep mode.
 8. washing machinecomprising: a housing; a first washing apparatus disposed in thehousing; a second washing apparatus disposed in the housing and disposedabove the first washing apparatus; a control panel disposed at the frontof the housing; a first user interface provided in a lower area of thecontrol panel, configured to receive a. first control command forcontrolling the first washing apparatus; and a second user interfaceprovided in the lower area of the control panel, configured to receive asecond control command for controlling the second washing apparatus,wherein the first and second user interfaces are configured to beoperated in an activation mode in which the first and second washingapparatuses are controlled according to the first and second controlcommands, respectively and in a sleep mode in which the first and secondwashing apparatuses are not controlled according to the first and secondcontrol commands, respectively, wherein the first user interfacecomprises a first power button configured to receive a first mode switchcommand for switching the first user interface from the sleep mode tothe activation mode, and wherein the second user interface comprises asecond power button configured to receive a second mode switch commandfor switching the second user interface from the sleep mode to theactivation mode.
 9. The washing machine according to claim 8, whereinthe first or the second user interface is configured to be switched tothe sleep mode when the first or second control command is not input fora predetermined time while being operated in the activation mode. 10.The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the first or thesecond user interface is configured to be switched to the sleep modewhen the first or second washing apparatus is not driven for apredetermined time while being operated in the activation mode.
 11. Thewashing machine according to claim 8, wherein the first washingapparatus comprises a first laundry inlet into which laundry to beprocessed in the first washing apparatus is put and a first doorconfigured to open and close the first laundry inlet, and wherein thefirst user interface is configured to be switched to the activation modewhen the first door is opened or closed while the first user interfaceis operating in the sleep mode.
 12. The washing machine according toclaim 8, wherein the second washing apparatus comprises a second laundryinlet into which laundry to be processed in the second washing apparatusis put and a second door configured to open and close the second laundryinlet, and wherein the second user interface is configured to beswitched to the activation mode when the second door is closed or openedwhile the second user interface is operating in the sleep mode.